by SEAN POWER
It was initially thought that for many of Brazil’s social movements Rousseff’s message of “business as usual” would be received unfavorably, given the lack of structural social change during Lula’s two administrations (2002-2010). Yet, this has not been the case. For several months preceding the election, many social movements moved away from solely focusing on defeating Rousseff’s closest opponent, the PSDB’s Serra, and publicly endorsed her. Some movement leaders, such as those of the Landless Workers Movement (MST), have even suggested that they foresee greater opportunity for significant social progress under a Rousseff government.